Top 57 Slang For Unfairness – Meaning & Usage

Life isn’t always fair, and sometimes we encounter situations that just don’t sit right with us. Whether it’s at work, school, or in our personal lives, unfairness is something we all have to deal with at some point. But fear not, we’ve got you covered with a list of the most relatable and commonly used slang terms for unfairness. So sit back, relax, and get ready to nod your head in agreement as we break down the language of injustice.

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Rigged

This term refers to a situation where the outcome has been dishonestly manipulated in someone’s favor, usually to the detriment of others. It implies that the system or process is unfair or biased.

For example, in a political context, someone might say, “The election was rigged in the incumbent’s favor.”
In a sports competition, a fan might complain, “The referees clearly rigged the game so the home team would win.”
A person who suspects foul play in a contest might say, “I think the lottery is rigged, I never win anything.”

2. Screwed

This slang term refers to being treated unfairly or being taken advantage of, often in a way that feels intentional or malicious. It implies that someone has been deceived or harmed for someone else’s benefit.

For instance, if someone is sold a faulty product, they might say, “I got screwed by that company.”
In a business deal gone wrong, a person might exclaim, “I invested my money and got screwed over by my partner.”
A person who feels cheated in a relationship might say, “I trusted them, but they screwed me over.”

3. Shafted

This slang term refers to being treated unfairly or deceived, often in a way that feels intentional or deliberate. It implies that someone has been taken advantage of or cheated out of something they deserved.

For example, if someone is passed over for a promotion they deserved, they might say, “I got shafted by my boss.”
In a negotiation, a person might feel they were unfairly treated and say, “I got shafted in that deal.”
A student who receives an unfairly low grade might complain, “I studied hard and got shafted by the professor.”

4. Cheated

This term refers to being treated unfairly or dishonestly, often in a way that involves breaking rules or expectations. It implies that someone has been tricked or taken advantage of.

For instance, if someone is caught using cheat codes in a video game, they might be accused of “cheating.”
In a relationship, if one partner is unfaithful, the other might feel “cheated” or betrayed.
A student who plagiarizes on an assignment might be accused of “cheating” and receive a failing grade.

5. Gamed

This slang term refers to a situation where someone has manipulated the rules or conditions to their advantage, often at the expense of others. It implies that the person has found a way to gain an unfair advantage.

For example, if someone finds a loophole in a contest and exploits it to win, they might be accused of “gaming” the system.
In a competitive sport, if a player intentionally breaks the rules to gain an advantage, they might be accused of “gaming” the game.
A person who feels that a test or exam was unfairly designed to favor certain students might say, “The professor gamed the test to make it impossible to pass.”

6. Jipped

To be cheated or deceived in a dishonest or unfair manner. The term “jipped” is often used when someone feels they have been taken advantage of or treated unfairly.

For example, “I paid for a brand new phone, but it turned out to be a fake. I got jipped.”
A person might say, “I feel like I got jipped when I found out the concert tickets I bought were counterfeit.”
Another might complain, “The salesperson promised me a discount, but when I got to the register, they charged me full price. I got jipped.”

7. Swindled

To be tricked or deceived in order to obtain money, goods, or services dishonestly. “Swindled” is a term used to describe being cheated or defrauded in a cunning or deceitful manner.

For instance, “He invested in a fraudulent scheme and ended up getting swindled out of his life savings.”
A person might say, “I thought I was buying a genuine designer bag, but it turned out to be a knockoff. I got swindled.”
Another might warn, “Be careful when dealing with online sellers. You don’t want to get swindled by a scammer.”

8. Hoodwinked

To be deceived or tricked in a clever or cunning manner. “Hoodwinked” is a slang term that implies being taken advantage of or fooled through deceit or manipulation.

For example, “The salesman hoodwinked me into buying a product I didn’t need.”
A person might say, “I thought I was getting a great deal on a car, but it turned out to be a lemon. I got hoodwinked.”
Another might complain, “The contractor promised quality work, but they cut corners and did a shoddy job. I feel like I got hoodwinked.”

9. Bamboozled

To be deceived or fooled through trickery or deceit. “Bamboozled” is a slang term that conveys a sense of being outsmarted or tricked in a clever or cunning manner.

For instance, “The magician’s tricks left the audience feeling bamboozled and amazed.”
A person might say, “I thought I was investing in a promising business, but it turned out to be a scam. I got bamboozled.”
Another might exclaim, “I can’t believe I fell for their lies. I feel so bamboozled!”

10. Ripped off

To be overcharged or deceived in a transaction, resulting in a feeling of being cheated or taken advantage of. “Ripped off” is a slang term often used to express dissatisfaction with a purchase or transaction.

For example, “I paid $50 for this shirt, but it’s poor quality. I got ripped off.”
A person might say, “The mechanic charged me for unnecessary repairs. I feel like I got ripped off.”
Another might complain, “The concert tickets were way overpriced. I feel ripped off.”

11. Fleeced

To be fleeced means to be deceived or cheated out of something, usually money. It implies that someone has taken advantage of you and gotten away with it.

For example, “I went to that mechanic and got totally fleeced. They charged me double for a simple repair.”
In a discussion about financial scams, someone might say, “Investors were fleeced out of millions of dollars in that Ponzi scheme.”
A person sharing a personal experience might say, “I thought I was getting a great deal, but I ended up getting fleeced by the seller.”

12. Conned

To be conned means to be tricked or deceived by someone, often through manipulation or dishonesty. It implies that someone has taken advantage of your trust or naivety.

For instance, “I can’t believe I fell for that scam. I was completely conned.”
In a conversation about persuasive sales tactics, someone might say, “Don’t let yourself be conned into buying something you don’t need.”
A person sharing a cautionary tale might say, “I thought I was helping a friend, but it turns out I was being conned the whole time.”

13. Snookered

To be snookered means to be outsmarted or deceived in a clever or cunning way. It implies that someone has tricked you and left you in a difficult or disadvantageous position.

For example, “I thought I had the upper hand, but he snookered me with his unexpected move.”
In a discussion about a strategic game, someone might say, “I got completely snookered by my opponent’s clever tactics.”
A person sharing a personal experience might say, “I trusted him, but he snookered me into signing a contract that wasn’t in my favor.”

14. Hornswoggled

To be hornswoggled means to be deceived or bamboozled in a way that leaves you feeling foolish or tricked. It implies that someone has taken advantage of your gullibility or lack of awareness.

For instance, “I can’t believe I fell for that prank. I feel completely hornswoggled.”
In a conversation about practical jokes, someone might say, “Don’t let yourself be hornswoggled by their tricks.”
A person sharing a funny story might say, “I thought I was being clever, but it turns out I was the one being hornswoggled.”

15. Sandbagged

To be sandbagged means to be betrayed or deceived by someone, often unexpectedly or unfairly. It implies that someone has taken advantage of your trust or vulnerability.

For example, “I thought we were friends, but he sandbagged me by spreading rumors about me.”
In a discussion about workplace politics, someone might say, “Watch out for colleagues who might try to sandbag you for their own gain.”
A person sharing a personal experience might say, “I trusted her with my secrets, but she sandbagged me by revealing them to everyone.”

16. Deprived

This term refers to being denied or lacking something that is considered necessary or deserved. It implies a sense of unfairness or inequality.

For example, “Many children in poverty are deprived of proper nutrition and education.”
A person might say, “I feel deprived of opportunities because of my socioeconomic background.”
In a discussion about social justice, someone might argue, “We need to address the systemic issues that keep marginalized communities deprived of basic rights and resources.”

17. Deceived

To be deceived means to be intentionally misled or tricked into believing something that is not true. It implies a sense of unfairness or betrayal.

For instance, “He deceived me into thinking he was trustworthy.”
In a story of a scam, one might say, “The con artist deceived innocent people out of their life savings.”
A person might warn others, “Don’t be deceived by false promises. Always do your research before making a decision.”

18. Misrepresented

To be misrepresented means to have one’s words, actions, or intentions inaccurately or unfairly portrayed. It implies a sense of unfairness or dishonesty.

For example, “The media misrepresented the politician’s stance on the issue.”
In a discussion about a controversial figure, someone might say, “His views have been consistently misrepresented by his opponents.”
A person might argue, “It is important to fact-check information to avoid being misinformed or misrepresented.”

19. Unjust

This term describes something that is not just or fair, often referring to actions, decisions, or systems that are biased, discriminatory, or lacking in equity.

For instance, “The court’s ruling was unjust and favored the wealthy.”
In a conversation about social inequality, someone might say, “There are many unjust policies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.”
A person might argue, “It is our responsibility to speak out against injustice and fight for a more just society.”

20. Inequitable

To be inequitable means to lack fairness or equality, often referring to the distribution of resources, opportunities, or outcomes.

For example, “The education system in this country is inequitable, with some schools receiving far more funding than others.”
In a discussion about wealth disparities, someone might say, “The current economic system is inherently inequitable.”
A person might argue, “Addressing inequitable policies and practices is essential for creating a more inclusive and just society.”

21. Discriminatory

This term refers to the unfair or prejudiced treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, or religion. Discriminatory actions can include denying equal opportunities, rights, or privileges.

For example, “The company’s hiring practices were found to be discriminatory towards women.”
In a discussion on social justice, someone might say, “We need to address the discriminatory policies that perpetuate inequality.”
A person sharing a personal experience might recount, “I faced discriminatory remarks and actions because of my sexual orientation.”

22. Partial

This word describes a situation where someone shows bias or favoritism towards one side or party, often resulting in an unfair outcome. Being partial can undermine fairness and impartiality.

For instance, “The judge’s decision seemed partial towards the defendant.”
In a debate, someone might accuse their opponent of being partial and say, “You’re only presenting evidence that supports your side.”
A sports fan might complain, “The referee was clearly partial towards the opposing team.”

23. Unbalanced

This term describes a situation or system that lacks equality or fairness. It implies an uneven distribution of resources, opportunities, or treatment, often resulting in disadvantage for certain individuals or groups.

For example, “The unbalanced distribution of wealth in society leads to social inequality.”
In a discussion on education, someone might argue, “The unbalanced allocation of resources hinders equal access to quality education.”
A person sharing their experience might say, “The workload in my job is unbalanced, with some employees shouldering more than others.”

24. Unequal

This word refers to a lack of equality or fairness in treatment, opportunities, or resources. It suggests a disparity between individuals or groups, often resulting in disadvantage for those who are less privileged.

For instance, “The unequal pay between men and women is a persistent issue.”
In a debate on social justice, someone might state, “We must address the unequal distribution of resources in our society.”
A person sharing their perspective might say, “Growing up, I witnessed the unequal treatment of different racial groups.”

25. Prejudiced

This term describes a mindset or behavior that is influenced by preconceived opinions or biases. Prejudiced individuals hold negative attitudes towards certain individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, religion, or nationality.

For example, “His prejudiced views prevented him from seeing the true value of diversity.”
In a discussion on social issues, someone might argue, “Prejudiced attitudes contribute to systemic discrimination.”
A person sharing a personal experience might say, “I faced prejudiced remarks and actions because of my cultural background.”

26. Unethical

This word refers to actions or behaviors that are considered morally wrong or against accepted standards of conduct. It implies a lack of integrity or honesty.

For example, “His decision to lie on the witness stand was unethical.”
In a discussion about business practices, someone might say, “The company’s decision to exploit workers was highly unethical.”
A person might argue, “It is unethical to cheat on a test because it undermines the principles of fairness and honesty.”

27. Unscrupulous

This term describes someone who lacks moral principles and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, often at the expense of others. It suggests a disregard for ethics and a willingness to engage in deceitful or unfair practices.

For instance, “The unscrupulous businessman cheated his partners out of their fair share of profits.”
In a discussion about politics, someone might say, “Many politicians are known for their unscrupulous tactics.”
A person might warn, “Beware of unscrupulous individuals who will try to take advantage of your trust.”

28. Unprincipled

This word describes someone who lacks moral principles or a sense of right and wrong. It suggests a disregard for ethical standards and a willingness to engage in unfair or dishonest behavior.

For example, “The unprincipled lawyer was willing to do anything to win his case.”
In a discussion about personal relationships, someone might say, “I can’t trust someone who is unprincipled.”
A person might argue, “Unprincipled behavior undermines trust and damages relationships.”

29. Underhanded

This term refers to actions or behavior that is secretive, deceitful, or done in a way that avoids detection or attention. It implies a lack of fairness or honesty.

For instance, “The underhanded tactics used by the competitor to sabotage our business were despicable.”
In a discussion about sports, someone might say, “The player’s underhanded move to intentionally injure his opponent was unacceptable.”
A person might warn, “Watch out for underhanded individuals who will try to manipulate you for their own gain.”

30. Crooked

This word describes someone who is corrupt, deceitful, or willing to engage in illegal or unethical practices. It suggests a lack of integrity or honesty.

For example, “The crooked politician was involved in multiple scandals.”
In a discussion about business, someone might say, “The company’s crooked practices led to its downfall.”
A person might argue, “Crooked behavior undermines trust and damages the reputation of individuals and organizations.”

31. Unjustified

This term is used to describe something that is not justified or lacks a valid reason.

For example, “The punishment he received was unjustified as he did nothing wrong.”
In a discussion about unfair treatment, someone might say, “The decision to fire her was completely unjustified.”
A person expressing their frustration might exclaim, “It’s unfair and unjustified that they get special treatment while the rest of us suffer.”

32. Oppressive

This word is used to describe a situation or system that is characterized by the unjust exercise of power or authority.

For instance, “The oppressive government silenced any form of dissent.”
In a conversation about workplace dynamics, someone might say, “The oppressive management style creates a toxic environment.”
A person discussing social issues might argue, “The oppressive policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities.”

33. Tyrannical

This term is used to describe a ruler or leader who exercises power in a cruel and oppressive manner.

For example, “The tyrannical dictator ruled with an iron fist.”
In a discussion about historical figures, someone might mention, “King George III was viewed as a tyrannical ruler by the American colonists.”
A person expressing their dissatisfaction with authority might say, “We need to resist the tyrannical government and fight for our rights.”

34. Autocratic

This word is used to describe a system or leader who holds complete and absolute power.

For instance, “The autocratic regime controlled every aspect of people’s lives.”
In a conversation about leadership styles, someone might say, “An autocratic leader makes all the decisions without considering input from others.”
A person discussing workplace dynamics might argue, “An autocratic management style stifles creativity and employee morale.”

35. Dictatorial

This term is used to describe a ruler or leader who exercises complete and absolute authority in an oppressive or domineering manner.

For example, “The dictatorial leader suppressed any opposition and controlled the media.”
In a discussion about power dynamics, someone might mention, “The CEO’s dictatorial approach created a toxic work environment.”
A person expressing their frustration with a leader might say, “We need to overthrow the dictatorial regime and restore democracy.”

36. Gipped

This term is used to describe being deceived or cheated out of something, typically in a dishonest or unfair manner.

For example, “I feel like I got gipped when I bought that used car and it broke down after a week.”
Someone might say, “Don’t trust that seller, he’s known for gipping people out of their money.”
A person might complain, “I got gipped by my landlord when he raised the rent without any notice.”

37. Gouged

To gouge means to overcharge or take advantage of someone by charging excessively high prices or fees.

For instance, “I felt like I was gouged when I had to pay $20 for a simple sandwich at that fancy restaurant.”
A person might say, “The airline company gouged customers by raising ticket prices during the holiday season.”
A customer might complain, “I can’t believe they gouged me for $50 just to replace a small part.”

38. Skewed

When something is skewed, it means it is biased or distorted in favor of a particular person or group, resulting in an unfair or unbalanced representation.

For example, “The media’s coverage of the political candidate was skewed and only presented one side of the story.”
A person might say, “The survey results are skewed because they only asked people from a specific demographic.”
A researcher might note, “The data was skewed due to a small sample size and lack of diversity.”

39. Cozened

To cozen means to deceive or trick someone into doing something or believing something that is not true.

For instance, “He cozened me into lending him money by promising to pay me back, but he never did.”
A person might say, “Don’t let yourself be cozened by those smooth-talking salespeople.”
A victim might share, “I was cozened into signing a contract that had hidden fees and unfavorable terms.”

40. Beguiled

To beguile means to charm or enchant someone in a way that deceives or misleads them.

For example, “She beguiled me with her sweet words and false promises.”
A person might say, “Don’t be beguiled by his friendly demeanor, he’s just trying to take advantage of you.”
A victim might share, “I was beguiled by their elaborate scheme and ended up losing a significant amount of money.”

41. Grifted

To be grifted means to be deceived or tricked, often resulting in financial loss. It is a slang term used to describe being conned or scammed by someone.

For example, “I can’t believe I got grifted by that fake online seller.”
Someone might say, “Watch out for that guy, he’s known for grifting people out of their money.”
Another person might share, “I got grifted by a door-to-door salesman who sold me a fake product.”

42. Gypped

Gypped is a term used to describe being cheated or swindled. It is derived from the word “gypsy” and is considered offensive and derogatory.

For instance, “I feel gypped after paying for a concert ticket that turned out to be fake.”
A person might say, “Don’t trust that shady mechanic, he always gypps his customers.”
Another example could be, “I got gypped by a landlord who refused to return my security deposit.”

43. Tricked

To be tricked means to be deceived or fooled by someone. It refers to being manipulated or misled into believing something that is not true.

For example, “I was tricked into signing a contract with hidden fees.”
A person might say, “Don’t let yourself be tricked by false promises.”
Another example could be, “She tricked me into lending her money with a sob story.”

44. Defrauded

Defrauded is a term used to describe being cheated or tricked out of money or property through deceit or dishonesty. It is a legal term often associated with financial fraud.

For instance, “He was defrauded by a Ponzi scheme that promised high returns.”
A person might say, “The company defrauded its customers by selling counterfeit products.”
Another example could be, “She was defrauded out of her life savings by an online scammer.”

45. Misinformed

To be misinformed means to be given incorrect or inaccurate information, leading to a misunderstanding or false belief. It refers to being provided with wrong or misleading facts.

For example, “I was misinformed about the date of the event and missed it.”
A person might say, “Don’t make decisions based on misinformed opinions.”
Another example could be, “She was misinformed about the company’s policies and made a mistake as a result.”

46. Misguided

This term refers to someone who is misguided, meaning they have been led astray or have made a mistake in their beliefs or actions.

For example, “The politician’s misguided policies only worsened the economic situation.”
A person might say, “Don’t follow their misguided advice, it will only lead to trouble.”
Another might comment, “His misguided sense of entitlement is the reason for his downfall.”

47. Misjudged

When someone is misjudged, it means that they have been wrongly assessed or evaluated, often resulting in unfair treatment or misunderstanding.

For instance, “She was misjudged by her coworkers who underestimated her abilities.”
In a discussion about a court case, someone might say, “The defendant was misjudged by the jury, leading to an unjust verdict.”
A person might comment, “It’s important not to misjudge someone based on their appearance or background.”

48. Mistreated

This term refers to someone who has been mistreated, meaning they have been subjected to unfair or cruel treatment.

For example, “The employees felt mistreated by their demanding and unsympathetic boss.”
In a conversation about animal rights, someone might say, “Animals should not be mistreated for the sake of entertainment.”
A person might comment, “No one deserves to be mistreated, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

49. Unreasonable

When something is unreasonable, it means that it is not based on or using good judgment or reason, often leading to unfairness or injustice.

For instance, “The company’s unreasonable demands put a strain on its employees.”
In a discussion about parenting, someone might say, “Setting unreasonable expectations for children can be detrimental to their well-being.”
A person might comment, “It’s important to approach conflicts with a reasonable and fair mindset.”

50. Despotic

This term refers to someone or something that is despotic, meaning they exercise absolute power in a cruel or oppressive way, often resulting in unfairness or injustice.

For example, “The despotic ruler oppressed his citizens and denied them basic human rights.”
In a conversation about historical figures, someone might say, “Many despotic leaders throughout history have caused immense suffering.”
A person might comment, “The despotic nature of the regime led to widespread corruption and inequality.”

51. Arbitrary

This term refers to something that is based on personal preference or whim, rather than on any logical or fair criteria.

For example, a teacher might be accused of giving out arbitrary grades without considering the students’ actual performance.
In a discussion about rules, someone might say, “The dress code at this school is so arbitrary, they enforce it inconsistently.”
A person might complain, “The boss always makes arbitrary decisions without consulting the team.”

52. Capricious

This word describes something or someone that changes their mind or behavior suddenly and without warning.

For instance, a boss who constantly changes their mind about project priorities could be described as capricious.
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “I can’t stand dating someone who’s so capricious, I never know where I stand.”
A person might describe a weather pattern as capricious if it goes from sunny to stormy without any warning.

53. Immoral

This term describes actions or behavior that goes against accepted principles of right and wrong.

For example, cheating on a test or stealing from someone would be considered immoral.
In a discussion about politics, someone might say, “The corrupt politician’s actions were clearly immoral.”
A person might argue, “It’s important to stand up against immoral behavior and fight for justice.”

54. Unjustifiable

This word describes something that lacks a valid or reasonable explanation or justification.

For instance, if someone is unfairly punished without any evidence or reason, it would be considered unjustifiable.
In a conversation about decisions, someone might say, “The company’s layoffs were completely unjustifiable, there was no financial need.”
A person might argue, “Discrimination is always unjustifiable and goes against the principles of equality.”

55. Unwarranted

This term describes something that is not deserved or justified based on the circumstances.

For example, if someone receives harsh criticism for a minor mistake, it would be considered unwarranted.
In a discussion about reactions, someone might say, “The angry customer’s response was completely unwarranted, the issue was easily fixable.”
A person might argue, “Using violence as a form of punishment is always unwarranted and never justified.”

56. Unmerited

This term refers to something that is not earned or deserved. It describes a situation or outcome that is considered unfair or unjust.

For example, someone might say, “He received an unmerited promotion because of his connections.”
In a discussion about college admissions, a person might argue, “Admitting students based on their family’s wealth is unmerited and unfair.”
Another might say, “It’s frustrating to see talented individuals overlooked for unmerited reasons.”

57. Unearned

This term means something that is not earned or deserved. It is used to describe a situation or outcome that is considered unfair or unjust.

For instance, someone might say, “She received unearned praise for a project she didn’t contribute to.”
In a discussion about welfare programs, a person might argue, “Providing unearned benefits discourages personal responsibility.”
Another might say, “It’s important to recognize and reject unearned privileges in order to promote equality.”